The Threat of Authoritarianism in American Democracy

The Paradox of Democratic Self-Rule

Democratic self-rule embodies a fascinating paradox. It is a system founded on principles of openness and competition, where any aspiring party or politician should have the opportunity to run for office and potentially emerge victorious. However, what transpires when a prominent candidate actively seeks to dismantle the very democracy that facilitates such competition?

Today, America grapples with this unsettling dilemma. Donald Trump presents a distinct and pressing threat to the fabric of American democracy. Notably, he is the first president in U.S. history to categorically reject the outcome of an election, making unprecedented attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential race. Now, as he stands on the precipice of a potential return to the White House, Mr. Trump is openly declaring his intentions to manipulate, if not outright dismantle, our democratic institutions.

In his rhetoric, Mr. Trump has made alarming assertions regarding his plans should he regain power. He has indicated intentions to pursue legal action against political rivals, which include Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Liz Cheney, and other members of the January 6th Select Committee. Furthermore, he has suggested the mobilization of military forces to suppress protests and has advocated for the deportation of 15 to 20 million individuals, encompassing many legal immigrants.

For the past three decades, we have dedicated our academic and professional lives to studying democratic crises and the rise of authoritarianism. Collectively, we have authored five books on these critical subjects. In our extensive research, we struggle to identify any significant national candidates from democracies around the world since World War II who have been so unabashedly authoritarian in their approach.

The notion that Mr. Trump poses a severe threat to the health of democracy is echoed by voices within his former administration. For instance, General Mark Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, characterized Trump as “fascist to the core.” Similarly, retired Marine General John Kelly, who held the position of Trump’s chief of staff, described him in stark terms, suggesting that he has a preference for dictatorship over democratic governance.

This raises a troubling question: How is it that such an overtly authoritarian figure stands a viable chance of reclaiming the presidency? Moreover, why do many of the safeguards that typically protect our democracy appear to have eroded, and which defenses, if any, remain intact?

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